Obituary

Mrs. Rina C. (Biagiotti) Palmer passed away surrounded by the love of her family on January 12, 2024, she was 96. A longtime Somerville resident, Rina was born in East Boston, the cherished daughter of Alice (Groppi) and Victor Biagiotti. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Palmer.

A very active and independent woman, Rina was a devoted parishioner of St. Benedict Parish. She enjoyed the outdoors, spending time at the beach or just sitting in the sun on the back deck. In earlier years, Rina worked for many years at Somerville Savings Bank and retired as assistant manager. In addition to raising her family she also found time to do volunteer work with St. Benedict Church and the Shriners in Wilmington, MA. She also actively participated in the local Jolly Elders Seniors Group. But above all family was first and foremost in her life. She enjoyed nothing more than the family traditions around the holidays and loved to cook, especially her homemade raviolis which she lovingly shared with everyone.

Rina was the devoted mother of Joanne Hayes and her husband Daniel of Tewksbury, Joseph Palmer and his partner Audrey McDevitt of Newburyport and the late Carole L. LeBreton. Cherished “Gram” of Jaryd Palmer, Kristen Palmer and her wife Leann, Christopher Hayes and his partner Katey Dillon. Dear sister-in-law of the late Eva, Anthony and Louise Palmer.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rina’s family in St. Benedict Church, 25 Arlington Street, Somerville on Wednesday, January 17th from 10:00AM – 11:00AM to be followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00AM. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rina’s memory can be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114 or http://www.shrinerschildrens.org or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at http://www.stjude.org